Skip to content 
CJC-1295 No DAC: Research Overview of GHRH Analogue
CJC-1295 No DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified 29-amino-acid growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog used in laboratory research. It differs from clinical formulations by lacking the albumin-binding “DAC” moiety, making it short-acting. In preclinical settings, CJC-1295 No DAC binds the GHRH receptor to drive pulsatile GH release, aiding studies of GH/IGF-1 signaling and endocrine pathways. All applications of CJC-1295 No DAC must be strictly research-use only.
Fast Answer
CJC-1295 No DAC is a synthetic GHRH analog peptide that stimulates growth hormone secretion in research models. It produces a short GH pulse similar to native GHRH. Products discussed in this article are intended for laboratory research use only and are not intended for human or animal consumption.
Structural Features and Analog Comparisons
CJC-1295 No DAC is often called modified GRF 1-29, indicating four amino-acid substitutions relative to native GHRH (GHRH(1-29)) that enhance stability. Notably, position 2 is substituted with D-Ala, which resists DPP-IV cleavage and increases half-life. Other substitutions further protect against metabolic degradation. Unlike CJC-1295 with DAC, this peptide has no albumin-binding extension, so its in vivo half-life is on the order of tens of minutes (versus days for the DAC version).
| Peptide Analog | Modifications | Approx. Half-Life | Research Context |
| Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) | Native sequence (no modifications) | ∼5–10 minutes (very short) | Early GHRH analog for GH stimulation tests |
| CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) | D-Ala^2, Gln^8, Ala^15, Leu^27 (no DAC) | ∼30 minutes | Short-acting GHRH analog used to mimic GH pulses in research |
| CJC-1295 (with DAC) | Same substitutions + C-terminal maleimido albumin linker | ~6–10 days | Long-acting GHRH analog used in extended GH release studies |
The table above compares key GHRH analogs. CJC-1295 No DAC’s modifications (second row) make it more stable than unmodified GHRH, yet it remains far more transient than the albumin-conjugated CJC-1295 (third row). This pulsatile profile may be preferred in studies of physiological GH signaling.
Mechanism of GHRH Analog Action
CJC-1295 No DAC functions by activating the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotroph cells. Binding triggers a Gs-protein cascade: adenylyl cyclase converts ATP to cAMP, which then activates protein kinase A (PKA). PKA phosphorylation leads to vesicular release of stored growth hormone (GH). The secreted GH enters circulation and acts on peripheral tissues (notably the liver) to induce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) synthesis. In research models, this is typically measured as a surge in GH, often followed by a smaller rise in IGF-1. The following diagram outlines this signaling pathway:
Text version of this diagram
- CJC-1295 No DAC (modified GHRH) → GHRH receptor (Gs-GPCR) on pituitary.
- GHRH receptor (Gs-GPCR) on pituitary → cAMP ↑ in somatotroph cell.
- cAMP ↑ in somatotroph cell → PKA activation.
- PKA activation → GH secretion into blood.
- GH secretion into blood → Liver: IGF-1 production (delayed response).
Pharmacokinetics and Stability
Published literature uses the term “No DAC” to distinguish a non-albumin-binding analog from DAC-modified CJC-1295. Time-course observations depend on the exact sequence, model, matrix, and analytical method. These findings provide mechanism context only and do not establish clinical performance or personal outcomes for an RUO catalog material.
Research Applications and Analytical Considerations
Researchers use CJC-1295 No DAC primarily as a tool to probe GH/IGF-1 endocrine pathways in vitro and in vivo. Typical studies include pituitary cell assays, tissue explants, and animal models where GH secretion dynamics are of interest. Its short action can be useful for studying GH pulsatility or as a control ligand in receptor assays. Because this compound is strictly for research, experimental design often involves multiple lab-scale exposure levels or continuous infusion protocols to mimic physiological patterns, and always within controlled preclinical contexts.
Analytical Testing and Quality Control: Laboratories verify peptide identity and purity using standard analytical techniques. Reverse-phase HPLC is commonly used to assess purity, and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirms molecular weight and sequence. For example, forensic analyses of GHRH analogs (including CJC-1295 variants) have used spiked reference standards and sensitive LC-MS/MS methods to detect analogs and metabolites at ng/mL levels. In a research lab, establishing a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is essential: it should include HPLC purity data, MS identity, and chromatographic/mass spectra. Validated reference peptides or internal standards ensure each batch meets expected specifications. Researchers should always review batch-specific documentation (COA) to confirm purity (typically ≥95%) and identity before use.
Example Laboratory Workflow:
Text version of this diagram
- Request RUO peptide (e.g., CJC-1295 No DAC) → Receive COA and peptide vial.
- Receive COA and peptide vial → Verify identity (LC-MS) and purity (HPLC).
- Verify identity (LC-MS) and purity (HPLC) → Meets quality standards?.
- Meets quality standards? — Yes → Use peptide for GH release studies.
- Meets quality standards? — No → Contact supplier / discard batch.
This workflow highlights the typical steps from obtaining to confirming a research peptide before use in experiments.
Evidence Overview
Evidence for CJC-1295 variants spans receptor assays, preclinical models, analytical characterization, and limited early-phase literature. Results for a DAC-modified analog cannot be assumed to describe a No-DAC material. Procurement should therefore prioritize exact identity, sequence, modification status, mass confirmation, chromatographic purity, and lot traceability rather than inferred outcomes.
FAQs
What is CJC-1295 No DAC?
CJC-1295 No DAC is a 29-residue synthetic peptide analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) engineered for research use. It includes multiple amino-acid substitutions to extend stability compared to native GHRH. The “No DAC” designation means it lacks the albumin-binding domain used in some formulations. Researchers use it to study GHRH receptor signaling and GH release in preclinical models.
How does CJC-1295 No DAC work in research?
In laboratory studies, CJC-1295 No DAC binds to the GHRH receptor on pituitary cells, triggering the usual GHRH signaling cascade. This leads to transient growth hormone (GH) release into the blood, similar to a natural GH pulse. The short half-life of the peptide means GH levels rise briefly. Researchers measure this response (and subsequent IGF-1 changes) as an indicator of GHRH pathway activity.
Why is it called “No DAC”?
The term “DAC” stands for Drug Affinity Complex, a chemical group that can be added to peptides to extend their half-life by binding serum albumin. CJC-1295 No DAC simply lacks this albumin-binding group. It retains other stabilizing modifications (D-Ala2, etc.) but is not attached to a carrier. As a result, it has a much shorter in vivo half-life (minutes) compared to CJC-1295 with DAC (days).
How is CJC-1295 No DAC analyzed in the lab?
Researchers verify CJC-1295 No DAC identity and purity using chromatographic and spectrometric methods. A typical approach is to run the peptide on reverse-phase HPLC (often with UV detection) to check purity. Mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is then used to confirm the correct molecular weight/sequence. These methods are standard for quality control: for instance, forensic labs have developed LC-MS assays to detect GHRH analogs at ng/mL levels. The results form part of the peptide’s certificate of analysis.
What does research say about CJC-1295 No DAC?
Published work supports studying GHRH-receptor signaling and time-course behavior in controlled models, but evidence must be tied to the exact analog. It does not establish outcomes for a supplied RUO material.
Next Steps
Before selecting any RUO peptide, review batch-specific documentation such as certificates of analysis and purity data. For CJC-1295 No DAC and other research peptides, Pure Lab Peptides provides clear labeling and available test data to support scientific use. Researchers should prioritize transparent product information and quality control when choosing peptides for their studies.
References
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA. “Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799–805. doi.org/10.1210/jc.2005-1536
- Memdouh S, Gavrilović I, Ng K, Cowan D, Abbate V. “Advances in the detection of growth hormone releasing hormone synthetic analogs.” Drug Test Anal. 2021;13(11-12):1871–1887. doi.org/10.1002/dta.3183
- Jetté L, Léger R, Thibaudeau K, et al. “Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1–29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog.” Endocrinology. 2005;146(7):3052–3058. doi.org/10.1210/en.2004-1286
- Soule S, King JA, Millar RP. “Incorporation of D-Ala2 in growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1-29)-NH2 increases the half-life and decreases metabolic clearance in normal men.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1994;79(4):1208–1211. doi.org/10.1210/jcem.79.4.7962295